Saturday, 10 May 2014

Ystradgynlais RFC have secured the SWALEC Division Five South West trophy in what has been a thrilling culmination to the season in the division.

The Blues sealed their win in a nail-biting 12 – 18 away win against league runners up Birchgrove RFC with the winner of that match later being crowned champions. Ystradgynlais then extended their winning run with a 42 – 5 away win at Crynant RFC today (Saturday 10th May 2014).

Swansea Valley side Ystradgynlais RFC were led to their league glory after the welcome return of former Ystradgynlais, Scarlets and Wales lock Vernon Cooper as Head Coach. Cooper retired from playing with the Scarlets in 2011 after featuring 369 times in a glittering club career.

The Blues, who have won their first league title since 1995, carried off the SWALEC Division 5 South West title by 5 points, winning all but two of the league games that they’ve played this season.

It’s also been a successful season for the youth side who have also won their league – the first time in the history of the club for both the youth and senior teams to have clinched their respective league titles. With 95% of the first team squad having come through the youth system at Ystradgynlais RFC, the Head Coach thinks the future’s looking bright.

Ystradgynlais RFC Head Coach Vernon Cooper, who won three caps for Wales, said: “The whole squad has been outstanding this season.

The highlights for me have been the way we have dug in and won tough away games that we wouldn’t have won in the past.”

He added: “We’ve got plenty of confidence looking towards next season and it is key for us that we keep hold of the quality players coming through from our youth team. If we do that and build on our success then hopefully the future is bright.”

Ystradgynlais RFC Club Captain Emyr Lawrence, said: “It means the world for us to win the league. The boys have put the effort in all season and it has paid dividends for us.

Vernon Cooper has made a big difference this season plus the effort and commitment of the players has changed. The whole squad has been outstanding.”

WRU Board Member Geraint Edwards, added: “Congratulations to Ystradgynlais RFC – it’s great that they have won their division. It’s the first league title they’ve won in a number of years, which is fantastic for the rugby club and for Ystradgynlais itself.”